Excerpt: Terrace House by Pavel Hnilička Architects+Planners redefines hillside living by combining apartment efficiency with the quality of a family residence. Built into a steep slope, the concept of terraced structure assigns each unit a private roof garden, maximizing space and comfort. The structure contrasts a grounded concrete base with a light, copper-clad upper form, blending landscape, materiality, and modern living.
Project Description
[Text as submitted by architect] There was a little villa on top of the extremely steep plot, which didn’t correspond with the owners’ conception. Therefore, they have decided to build a terraced house and to dwell in a new comfortable apartment. The concept of terraced structure allowed to assign a roof garden to each apartment. This way, it was possible to build a quality of living similar to a family house without huge demands for ground space.
The house is divided into 4 apartments, of which one is an upper maisonette. There is a garage for eight cars, the entry lobby and small cellars for each apartment on the street level floor. The lift moves through the house and opens directly into each apartment; the stairway is located outside the house.
The house is articulated into two parts: the lower base sinked into the slope and the upper “crown”, which has the dimensions of a standard family house. The heavy lower part is made of dark coloured face concrete and refers to the slate rock under the house. The copper panels covering the upper part give it a light roof-like impression.
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